Essentially it's just about rival crews from Cambridge and the Other Place, rowing against each other on the River Thames – but the Boat Race has never been short on thrills.

Here are seven of the most dramatic encounters in the race's long history:

1877 – A dead heat

Both crews finished in a time of 24 minutes and 8 seconds in bad weather, according to the race judge, but there was controversy over his fitness for the job. He was aged over 70, blind in one eye, and on occasion had been found drunk under a bush as the crews rowed by.

An artist's impression of the 1877 dead heat

The two opposing crews had been battling against wind and rain and as the finishing line approached, Oxford, who had been well in the lead, began to tire and Cambridge put in an amazing final spurt.

Some onlookers were convinced Oxford won by six feet or so, but in the end, the judge's verdict had to be accepted – they both crossed the line together.

1912 – A double ducking

Again the race was held in extremely poor weather and high winds and both crews sank.

Oxford rowed into an early lead, but began taking on water, and made for the bank shortly after passing Hammersmith Bridge to empty the boat.

Cambridge sink in 1912 (Picture: Daily Mirror)

They attempted to restart, but the race was abandoned because Cambridge had also sunk, while passing the Harrods Depository.

1978 – Maybe the most famous sinking of all

In the seventies, there was more stormy weather, which Oxford survived better than Cambridge by holding the inside position.

As the race progressed, it was clear the Light Blues were in trouble, and shortly after rowing under Barnes Bridge, their boat was awash with water – and they sank, with Oxford about two lengths ahead.

How the News reported the 1978 race drama

There to watch the sad event was James Crowden, a member of the victorious Cambridge crew at the previous sinking, in 1951, and there in 1978 as an umpire.

He said in an interview later with the News: “I will always remember the 1978 race because the water was so shockingly rough.”